Sewing Patterns

Choosing the right sewing pattern is as important as choosing the correct fabric.

One of the benefits of sewing for yourself is that you can choose a shape, colour and fabric to suit your own shape, size and coloring.

Where can I find free online sewing patterns ?

Popular sites include:-

FreePatterns.com is a membership site (free!) which allows you access to over 2000 downloadable patterns, including crochet, cross-stitch, knitting, sewing and Christmas crafts.

www.allfreecrafts.com/sewing/index.shtml offers home & vintage (or retro) sewing projects & patterns

Patterns for Special Occasions

If you'd like to make your own dresses for your prom or bridal party (bride & bridesmaid), or you're going to a party and need an evening dress, not only is it often cheaper to create your own but it ensure that no-one is going to turn up in a gown like yours!

If you're not a competent dressmaker, you may prefer to choose the pattern and fabric and get them made up by a professional. This is especially true when you're working with fabrics like silk for wedding dresses, formal evening gowns and bridesmaid dress.

Baby & Infant Patterns

Whether you're making them out of necessity (it is hard to find clothes for preemie or premature babies) or just for the love of creating something for a newborn addition to the family - there's something special about creating clothing in tiny sizes for babys.

For popular patterns such as printable crafts (stuffed animals are especially popular, as is a home made teddy bear) or knitted or crochet items (such as a crib blanket ) , it's easy to find downloadable instructions online.

With the expense of shop-bought christening gowns, creating and embroidering your own may seem like an attractive project, if you feel confident in your skills.

Photo courtesy of Nils Fretwurst

Home Decor, Window Treatments & Curtains

The one place where many women enjoy making their own is in the home - whether it's simple window treatments, home sewn curtains or simple table decorations, such as napkin holders. It's probably best to get a book or download some information on this, as it's more about instructions on how to create them rather than a pattern that you'll need to follow.

Other sewing projects around the home include cushion covers, tea cozy and quilts.

Party & Halloween Costumes

Do you inwardly groan when it comes around that time of year when the kids are wearing costumes ? Whether it's for a special event at school or they're joining their friends for a fancy dress party - it can seem to be a headache.

The good news is that there are some great books available that will show you how to create great looking costumes without going to great expense or spending hours at the sewing machine.

Christmas Crafts & Winter Sewing

Whether it's your way to unwind during the holidays or you enjoy creating homemade gifts for family and friends, sewing is a great way to do it.

Simple homemade gifts can be some of the most thoughtful presents to receive, if well made and tailored to an individuals likes and hobbies.

Your creativity can also come in handy for saving money on shop-bought items, such as Christmas tree skirts, table runners or for creating gifts to treasure, such as embroidered Christmas stockings. For the kids (or the grownups) creative costumes for Santa and his reindeer, or snowman can be easily created with a bit of fabric or fleece and some trimmings.

Younger children will be delighted with a gift of doll clothes for their favourite dolly, whether it's a baby or fashion doll (or even a Ken doll, for the boys!).

Choosing the right shapes and fabrics

Did you know that you can look slimmer if you wear the right kinds of clothes? The whole Color Me Beautiful business is based on the transformation that can take place by choosing colors that complement your hair and skin colour and body shape - and it works!

Choosing your own pattern and fabric also means that you aren't tied to the colours that are in fashion this season - you can choose any shade which suits you.

How to store sewing patterns

Whilst it's important to keep them in good condition, it's never been a priority to find somewhere to store your pattern resources.

Nowadays, there's some attractive storage options, including rattan boxes, leather boxes or drawers, under-bed boxes with rollers, or attractive storage boxes for keepsakes - all of these are the right shape and size for storage of your pattern collection.

Popular choice from online stores and mals are:-

• Sewing Patterns for Christmas
• Evening Wear Sewing Patterns
  
  Finding sewing patterns for evening wear or dress is easy, finding one that's easy to sew is not !
• Plus Size Sewing Patterns
  
  Finding sewing patterns in a plus size has been made easier in the past few years. Companies like Vogue, Burda and Coni offer larger sizes for the fuller figured woman.
• Simplicity Patterns
• Vogue Sewing Patterns
  
  Vogue sewing patterns stand for style and elegance. Whether it's evening wear or a wedding dress - their books & designs look as if they've just stepped off the catwalk

Check out prices of the latest and vintage patterns

Resources & Links

Amazon's Sewing Store - pattern books & sewing resources

Sewing notions, fabrics & machines - check online prices of this most popular online store